How to Survive a Dinner Party When you Know the Host Could Burn Water

Your Essential Guide to Faking Culinary Joy with Grace and Guts

Let’s face it: sometimes you accept a dinner invitation out of politeness, habit, or because you owe someone a favour involving bail money or a broken printer. 

But then the fear sets in: What if they can’t cook? Worse yet—what if they’re the sort of well-meaning host who thinks spaghetti hoops on stale toast counts as a starter? 

And what if you already know their cooking skills are so lacking that they could burn water?

Fear not, dear reader. Here’s your foolproof, amusing survival guide for attending a dinner party hosted by someone who could legitimately burn water, and how to look like you’re having a Michelin-star time whilst doing it.

1. Pre-Load Like a Pro

First rule of bad dinner parties: never arrive hungry. Eat a hearty snack beforehand. A sandwich. A jacket potato. Half a lasagne if necessary. You’re not eating to be polite, you’re eating to survive.

2. Perfect Your “Mmm” Face

Practice in the mirror: eyes wide with “delight,” mouth curved in a polite grimace that says “I love this grey mystery mash,” not “Is this meat, or an emotional support sponge?” Bonus points if you master the nod-and-smile combo, the international signal for “I’m not dying, I swear.”

3. Drink Strategically

If there’s wine, sip slowly and strategically. Alcohol can dull the taste buds and lubricate forced joy. Just don’t get carried away and announce loudly that you’d rather eat your own sock than another mouthful of the “vegan chicken surprise.”

4. Compliment the Effort, Not the Taste

Avoid obvious lies like “This is delicious!” and opt for vague praise like:

“Wow, what a unique combination!”

“You must have spent ages on this!”

“This is… very creative.”

These let you express admiration without mentioning the food itself. Diplomatic gold.

5. Create a Distraction

“Oh no! Did I just spill wine on your carpet?”

“Quick, someone check outside! I think I saw a badger on fire!”

Tactical chaos can divert attention long enough for you to discreetly offload that third helping of charcoal risotto into a napkin, handbag, or trusting pet.

6. Applaud Bold Flavours (Even If They Assault You)

“This really challenges the palate!” is a wonderful phrase. It sounds like praise but really means “My taste buds are filing for restraining orders.”

7. Leave on a High Note

Say your goodbyes with gusto and enthusiasm. Thank your host profusely. Text them afterwards with something like, “We must do this again!” which of course, means “I need to change my number immediately.”

Not everyone is blessed with culinary brilliance. Some are blessed with enthusiasm and a disregard for recipe books. And that’s fine! Just remember: the food may be tragic, but the stories you’ll tell afterwards will be hilarious.

You survived. You’re stronger now. And next time, you’re hosting and ordering takeaway.

Raising Funds with Flavour: Hosting Themed Dinners for Your Church or Charity

Fundraising doesn’t have to be all bake sales and sponsored walks. If you’re looking to raise money for your church or favourite charity while building community spirit, why not consider hosting a themed dinner event? 

These nights bring people together around a shared table and shared purpose – with plenty of fun along the way.

Here’s how to create memorable, meaningful fundraising dinners that people will talk about long after the last course is served.

Why Themed Dinners Work

Themed dinners are a brilliant way to:

Raise funds through ticket sales, raffles, and donations

Strengthen bonds in your local community

Celebrate different cultures or traditions

Encourage creativity and collaboration among volunteers

Whether you're transforming your church hall into a Parisian bistro or solving a "whodunnit" over dessert, the immersive nature of these evenings makes them more than just a meal.

Themed Dinner Ideas to Get You Started

Celebrate the Cultures of the World

Host a dinner night dedicated to the cuisine and customs of a particular country or region. You could invite guest speakers or performers, play traditional music, and decorate your venue to reflect the theme. Some popular ideas:

A Taste of Italy – Pasta, tiramisu, and perhaps a live opera singer?

Caribbean Carnival – Jerk chicken, rum punch (or mocktails), and steel drum music.

Indian Feast – A thali-style dinner with vegetarian options, colourful décor, and Bollywood dancing.

Be sure to approach cultural themes respectfully, and consider partnering with members of those communities to ensure authenticity.

Murder Mystery Evening

Put your guests in the middle of a thrilling mystery, with clues revealed between courses. These can be pre-scripted kits or bespoke stories written by a volunteer. 

Offer optional costumes, assign roles, and let guests immerse themselves in the drama. Add prizes for best-dressed or best detective to keep energy high.

Historical Banquets

Step back in time with a Tudor feast, a 1920s speakeasy, or a wartime ‘ration night’. Use vintage recipes, era-appropriate music, and period décor to enhance the experience. These events are perfect for local history buffs or themed church groups.

Movie-Inspired Meals

Design your menu and atmosphere around a beloved film or film genre. Think “Harry Potter Hogwarts Feast”, a “Great Gatsby Gala”, or a “Lord of the Rings” hobbit banquet. Include a screening or a trivia quiz to complete the night.

Planning Your Fundraising Dinner

Here are a few tips to help make your event a success:

Set a Budget and Fundraising Goal

Know your costs up front (ingredients, decorations, venue hire, etc.) and set clear targets for what you’d like to raise.

Promote Early and Widely

Use posters, social media, newsletters, and word of mouth. Consider offering early bird tickets or group discounts.

Cater to Dietary Needs

Always offer vegetarian and gluten-free options, and ask guests to notify you of allergies in advance.

Add Fundraising Extras

Include a raffle, auction, or donation table to boost income. Ask local businesses to donate prizes or sponsor the event.

Involve the Community

Encourage church members, youth groups, or local volunteers to help with cooking, serving, or entertainment. This spreads the workload and fosters greater involvement.

Final Thoughts

Themed dinners offer more than just a meal – they create lasting memories, honour diverse cultures, and bring people together for a cause that matters. With a bit of imagination and teamwork, your next fundraising event could be a night to remember and a huge help to your charity’s mission.

So light the candles, set the table, and let your community's generosity shine – one course at a time.

How to Choose the Right Music for Your Dinner Party

Create the perfect atmosphere with a well-curated playlist

Hosting a dinner party? Discover how to choose the right background music to enhance the mood, match your menu, and make your evening unforgettable.

How to Choose the Right Music for Your Dinner Party

Planning the perfect dinner party isn’t just about food and drink—though we’ll never downplay the importance of a well-balanced menu and an expertly paired wine. 

But there’s another element that plays a quietly powerful role in shaping the evening: music.

Get it right, and your soundtrack will lift the energy, soothe nerves, and make conversations flow as easily as the wine. Get it wrong, and you might unintentionally derail the relaxed, inviting atmosphere you're aiming for.

Here’s our guide to choosing music that will complement your dinner party just as well as the dessert complements the starter.

1. Set the Role: Music as a Background Guest

Dinner party music isn’t meant to take centre stage—it’s there to enhance, not distract. Think of it as a guest who knows how to stay just involved enough to keep the atmosphere warm and sociable, without dominating the conversation.

A good rule of thumb? If people are leaning in to hear one another, it’s too loud.

2. Pair Music with Your Menu

Just as you’d pair wine with your main course, try pairing your playlist with your cuisine. Serving Italian? Opt for soft classical guitar or elegant opera arias. Mediterranean mezze? Go for upbeat Greek or Spanish instrumentals. Hosting a modern British supper? Some indie folk or lo-fi jazz might hit the right note.

Your food and music should complement each other—never clash.

3. Time the Tempo

Start the evening with slower, softer tracks that create a welcoming ambience. As dinner progresses, especially once the main course is over, feel free to subtly lift the tempo to keep energy levels up.

Avoid anything too dramatic or sudden. Think progression, not party playlist.

4. Keep It (Mostly) Instrumental

Lyrics can compete with conversation, especially in smaller dining spaces. While a few well-chosen vocal tracks can work, instrumentals are generally your best bet.

Top dinner-friendly genres include:

Jazz (Miles Davis, Chet Baker)

Acoustic guitar

Chillhop/lo-fi

Classical or minimalist piano (Ludovico Einaudi is a crowd-pleaser)

5. Curate or Stream with Care

If you’re a music enthusiast, create your own playlist to match your vibe—just make sure it’s long enough to last the evening (around 2–3 hours minimum). Avoid abrupt tempo shifts or playlist gaps.

Not in the mood to DJ? Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music have excellent themed playlists:

“Dinner Party Jazz”

“Evening Acoustic”

“Classy Dinner”

Tip: Always test your playlist before the event. The last thing you want is a surprise drum and bass drop in the middle of the soup course.

6. Volume Matters

Whether you’re using a Bluetooth speaker or a whole-home sound system, volume is key. Set it just loud enough to notice, but not so much that it interferes with conversation. Place speakers in corners for a warm, even spread—avoid blasting music from one direction.

7. Genres to Use Sparingly (or Not at All)

Unless your party is themed or your guests expect it, try to steer clear of:

Heavy rock or metal

High-BPM dance tracks

Distracting novelty songs

Anything lyrically intense or emotionally heavy

Dinner parties are all about connection, comfort, and creating an easy-going flow. Save the rave for another night.

Final Thought

The right playlist helps bring your dinner party together, adding personality and polish to an already thoughtfully planned evening. Just like the food on the table and the drinks in hand, the music should feel intentional—even if it’s subtly in the background.

Try it out at your next gathering and let us know what worked. And if you’ve already got a go-to dinner party playlist, we’d love to hear it! Tag us @thatsfoodanddrink or leave a comment below.

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How to Set Up a Dining Club with Friends and Family

Food has always been at the heart of social gatherings, a way to bring people together, share experiences, and create lasting memories. 

If you’re looking for a fun and meaningful way to bond with your loved ones, setting up a dining club could be the perfect solution. 

Whether you choose to host meals at home or explore local restaurants, a dining club is a great way to experience new cuisines, enjoy each other’s company, and make dining a regular part of your social calendar.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Decide on the Format

The first step in creating your dining club is deciding how it will operate. Will the gatherings be held at members’ homes or at various restaurants? Both options have their benefits:

At Home: Hosting meals at home allows for a more personal and intimate setting. You can experiment with home-cooked meals, themed dinners, or even potluck-style events where each member brings a dish. It’s also a great way to save money and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.

At Restaurants: If you want to take the pressure off cooking, visiting different restaurants can be a fun way to explore new cuisines and dining experiences. It can also cater to various dietary preferences and give members a break from hosting duties.

You might choose to alternate between the two formats or stick to one depending on your group’s preferences. Make sure to get input from all potential members to ensure everyone is comfortable with the setup.

2. Establish a Schedule

Once you’ve decided on the format, the next step is to establish a regular schedule. This could be monthly, bi-monthly, or even quarterly, depending on everyone’s availability. The key is to set a schedule that works for everyone, while maintaining enough frequency to keep the club active and exciting.

Consider choosing a fixed day, like the first Saturday of every month, to make it easier for members to plan ahead. Consistency will help ensure that the dining club becomes a regular part of everyone’s routine.

3. Create a Member List

Your dining club can include as many or as few people as you like, but it’s important to choose members who will be committed to the idea and are enthusiastic about participating. Friends, family, neighbours, and even work colleagues can be great additions to the group.

A smaller group (6-10 people) might be easier to manage in terms of hosting at home or securing restaurant reservations, but larger groups can work well too, particularly if you’re sticking to restaurant meet-ups. Just be sure to consider the logistics of seating and space if hosting at home.

4. Set Some Ground Rules

While the idea of a dining club is to have fun, it’s helpful to set a few basic rules to keep things running smoothly. Some things to consider include:

Rotation of Hosts: If you’re hosting meals at home, decide how often the hosting duties will rotate. Should each person take turns, or would some members prefer not to host? If so, how can they contribute in other ways (e.g., bringing wine or dessert)?

Budget: When dining out, set a budget or decide how to split the bill in advance to avoid any awkwardness. You could even set a price range for restaurants to ensure everyone can comfortably afford to join.

Menu Preferences and Dietary Restrictions: Be sure to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences of your members. This will help in planning home-cooked meals or choosing appropriate restaurants that cater to everyone’s needs.

RSVP Etiquette: Encourage members to commit to attendance and RSVP in advance so the host or restaurant can plan accordingly. A rule like “respond by a certain date” can help make sure everyone knows where they stand.

5. Themes and Challenges

To keep your dining club exciting and fresh, you could introduce themes or challenges for each gathering. For example:

Cuisine Theme: Choose a cuisine for each meeting, such as Italian, Mexican, or Thai. Members can either cook or select a restaurant based on that theme.

Seasonal Ingredients: If hosting at home, challenge everyone to use seasonal ingredients, making the most of what’s fresh and locally available.

Wine Pairing Night: Members can bring wines to complement the meal, offering a chance to learn more about pairing food and wine.

Travel Inspiration: Base your meals around a country or city you’ve travelled to, or wish to visit, sharing stories and experiences alongside the food.

These little twists can add an extra layer of excitement and learning to your gatherings.

6. Keep the Experience Social

Ultimately, the focus of your dining club should be on enjoying time with friends and family. While the food is a big part of it, the social experience is what makes the dining club truly special. Encourage conversation, share stories, and most importantly, have fun!

One way to do this is by designating a “conversation starter” for each gathering. This person could come up with a question or topic for the group to discuss over dinner, helping to break the ice and ensure that everyone feels included.

7. Make It a Tradition

The beauty of a dining club is that it can become a long-standing tradition. Over time, it can grow and evolve as members bring new ideas, themes, and venues into the mix. Whether you’re dining at home or out on the town, your dining club can be a space where memories are made and relationships deepened.

Conclusion

Setting up a dining club is a wonderful way to spend quality time with loved ones, all while enjoying delicious food. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a restaurant enthusiast, a dining club offers the perfect blend of culinary adventure and social connection. By organising a regular schedule, setting some simple guidelines, and keeping the focus on fun, you’ll create an experience that friends and family will look forward to time and again

The Art of Hosting: Crafting the Perfect Dinner Party at Home

In a world filled with hustle and bustle, there's something deeply comforting and enriching about gathering friends and loved ones around a dinner table. 

Hosting a dinner party at home isn't just about the food; it's about creating an experience, fostering connections, and crafting memories that linger long after the plates are cleared. 

Whether you're a seasoned entertainer or a novice host, here's a guide to help you master the art of hosting the perfect dinner party in the comfort of your own home.

Setting the Stage

1. Plan Ahead:

Begin by selecting a date and sending out invitations well in advance. Consider the size of your space and the number of guests you can comfortably accommodate. Keep the guest list diverse, mixing old friends with new acquaintances to spark interesting conversations.

2. Theme and Ambiance:

Choose a theme or mood for your dinner party to guide your décor, menu, and even dress code if you wish. Whether it's an elegant soiree, a casual backyard barbecue, or a themed costume party, setting the right ambiance is crucial for creating the desired atmosphere.

3. Create the Perfect Setting:

Pay attention to the details. Set a beautiful table with linen, candles, fresh flowers, and elegant dinnerware. Consider adding personal touches like handwritten place cards or small party favors to make your guests feel special.

Crafting the Menu

1. Consider Dietary Restrictions:

Inquire about any dietary restrictions or allergies your guests may have beforehand, and plan your menu accordingly. Offering a variety of options ensures that everyone can enjoy the meal without worry.

2. Balance and Variety:

Create a well-balanced menu with a mix of flavors, textures, and colors. Start with light appetizers or salads, followed by a flavorful main course, and finish with a decadent dessert. Incorporate seasonal ingredients to add freshness and vibrancy to your dishes.

3. Don't Forget the Drinks:

Curate a selection of beverages to complement your meal. Offer a signature cocktail, wine pairings, and non-alcoholic options to cater to all preferences. Remember to provide plenty of water throughout the evening to keep everyone hydrated.

Mastering the Art of Hospitality

1. Be a Gracious Host:

Welcome your guests with warmth and hospitality. Take the time to introduce them to one another and make them feel comfortable. As the host, your role is to facilitate conversation, keep the energy flowing, and ensure that everyone is having a good time.

2. Embrace the Unexpected:

No matter how meticulously you plan, things may not always go as expected—and that's okay. Embrace the spontaneity of the moment, and don't be afraid to go with the flow. A flexible attitude and a sense of humor can turn even the most unexpected mishaps into memorable moments.

3. Enjoy the Moment:

Amidst all the planning and preparation, don't forget to savor the experience yourself. Take a moment to step back, soak in the laughter and conversation, and appreciate the joy of bringing people together. After all, the true measure of a successful dinner party is the connection and camaraderie shared among friends.

Wrapping Up

Hosting a dinner party at home is an art form, a delicate balance of planning, preparation, and hospitality. But beyond the food and décor, it's the intangible moments of laughter, conversation, and connection that truly make the evening memorable. 

So, whether you're hosting an intimate gathering or a lavish affair, remember to savor the experience, embrace the unexpected, and cherish the company of those gathered around your table. After all, it's not just about the meal; it's about the magic of coming together to create lasting memories. Cheers to hosting the perfect dinner party!